Congress Moves to Expand Treatment Options for Veterans
In a bipartisan victory for veterans’ healthcare, the House of Representatives voted on June 25, 2025, to pass a significant amendment to the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies (MilConVA) appropriations bill. This provision lifts long-standing federal restrictions preventing VA physicians from recommending medical marijuana to veterans in states where it is legally sanctioned.
The amendment, championed by Congressional Cannabis Caucus co-chairs Reps. Brian Mast (R-FL), Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), Dave Joyce (R-OH), and Barbara Lee (D-CA), was adopted with a strong 290-116 vote. It prohibits the VA from using its resources to enforce internal policies that bar VA doctors from completing necessary documentation for veterans to enroll in state medical cannabis programs.
This legislative development is particularly significant given that many veterans suffer from chronic pain, PTSD, and other service-related health issues that have been shown to respond to cannabis-based treatments. By allowing VA providers to offer medical cannabis recommendations, Congress aims to ensure that veterans have access to the full range of legal therapeutic options available in their states.
Supporting Psychedelics Research for Mental Health
In addition to the cannabis-related provisions, the House approved two other amendments promoting scientific research into psychedelic therapies. These measures direct the VA to explore large-scale clinical studies on the use of substances such as MDMA and psilocybin to treat PTSD and other mental health conditions that disproportionately impact the veteran population.
The push for psychedelic research reflects a growing body of scientific evidence indicating that these substances, when administered under professional supervision, can offer significant therapeutic benefits. The amendments particularly target drugs granted Breakthrough Therapy designation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), streamlining the research pathway and emphasizing evidence-based approaches to mental healthcare.
Lawmakers advocating for these measures highlighted the urgent need for innovative treatments, noting the high rates of suicide and mental health disorders among veterans. Encouraging psychedelic research could pave the way for new, effective interventions that complement or replace conventional pharmaceutical treatments.
Bipartisan Momentum and Legislative Path Forward
The strong bipartisan support for these amendments underscores a shifting political landscape on cannabis and psychedelic policy. Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are increasingly acknowledging the potential of alternative therapies and the need to modernize federal healthcare protocols for veterans.
However, for these provisions to become law, they must also survive the reconciliation process between the House and Senate versions of the MilConVA bill. Historically, similar amendments have been stripped from final legislation during conference negotiations, often due to political pressure or differing policy priorities.
Still, the 2025 vote represents progress in normalizing access to cannabis and psychedelics for veterans, highlighting the growing consensus around the need for comprehensive, patient-centered care.
A Step Toward Holistic Veteran Care
If these reforms are enacted, they would represent a transformative shift in how the federal government approaches veteran healthcare. Allowing VA doctors to recommend medical marijuana would close a critical gap between state laws and federal policy, giving veterans easier access to regulated treatment options.
Furthermore, fostering rigorous research into psychedelic therapies demonstrates a proactive approach to mental health, particularly for those grappling with trauma-related conditions. As science continues to affirm the efficacy of these treatments, veterans could benefit from more personalized, effective, and compassionate care.
By addressing both physical and mental health needs through expanded therapeutic options, these legislative initiatives aim to enhance quality of life for those who have served and sacrificed.